Technique for providing simulated vision

ABSTRACT

A visual simulation technique is provided to facilitate visual activities, such as reading and movement of a subject through surroundings, for sight-impaired persons. The technique obtains digital images of the surroundings via an image retrieval and sending device, and then provides a real-time audio interpretation of the images via an automated image identification and narration system. The automated system may have communication and computing circuitry, remote human interaction circuitry, and other components for either computer-based or human-based identification and narration of the acquired images.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to artificial sightsystems, and more particularly, to vision aids for the sight impaired.The present invention provides a technique for identifying and verballydescribing visual input such as newsprint or environmental surroundingsto the sight impaired.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Many individuals, animals and mechanical devices have limited orno visualization and maneuvering capabilities. Although many maneuveringdevices have been designed for robotics, none of these devices can aptlydescribe the environment to a blind or poorly sighted individual as theymove through the environment. For example, robotics may use sonar,infrared, acoustic and microwave sensors to maneuver through theenvironment. These sensors can indicate the existence of objects andboundaries, such as walls, yet they do not provide any identification ofthe object or boundary. A blind or poorly sighted individual requiresmore detailed visual information to successfully maneuver through thesurroundings. The mere existence of a barrier is insufficientinformation for an individual to maneuver through complex environments,which typically include doors, streets, transportation vehicles, andvarious electrical and mechanical devices.

[0003] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a system andmethod for instantly communicating visual information of thesurroundings to an individual to facilitate visual perception andmaneuvering through the surroundings. The blind or poorly sightedindividual could upon demand get a verbal description of objects closeat hand, such as the food on a dinner plate or the contents of anewspaper article and a description of a photograph. It also would beadvantageous to provide detailed real-time information about moredistant surroundings, such as the sky, bodies of water and otherbackground images, to provide a better visual perception and mentalpicture of the surroundings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] A visual simulation technique is provided for visualizing andmaneuvering through surroundings. The technique obtains an image of thesurroundings via a digital-image retrieval and sending device worn bythe visually impaired person and then provides an audio interpretationof the image via an automated image matching system. The technique alsoincludes a system and method for requesting interpretive input fromhuman volunteers by means of a wireless network. For example, imagesretrieved by the digital-image retrieval and sending device may bedisplayed through an Internet browser for volunteer interpretation andaudio feedback.

[0005] In one aspect, the present technique provides a vision aidcomprising an image retrieval device and an image identificationassembly communicatively coupled to the image retrieval device. Thevision aid also has an image narrator communicatively coupled to theimage identification device.

[0006] In another aspect, the present technique provides a method ofvisualizing a surrounding environment. The method comprises obtaining animage in a desired viewing orientation and identifying the image via animage processing assembly. The method also comprises describing thesurrounding environment based on the image identified. This wouldinclude real-time reading of printed material, viewing photographs anddescriptions of contiguous environmental objects such as furniture,paintings, rugs, walls, and steps; in fact, a running commentary onwhatever the poorly-sighted individual aims the image retrieval deviceat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The invention will hereafter be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals denote likeelements, and:

[0008]FIG. 1 is an illustration of the present technique being used by aperson;

[0009]FIG. 2 is a diagrammatical illustration of the present techniqueillustrated in FIG. 1;

[0010]FIG. 3 is a diagrammatical illustration of the present techniqueutilizing wireless communication technology;

[0011]FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the present technique illustrated in FIG.2;

[0012]FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the present technique illustrated in FIG.3; and

[0013] FIGS. 6-9 illustrate various mounting orientations of the presenttechnique relative to a line of sight of the person.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0014] As described in detail below, the present technique facilitatesmaneuvering and simulated vision for blind and sight impairedindividuals. The present technique also may be utilized to enhancemaneuvering and visualization for individuals already having suchcapabilities. For example, the present technique may facilitatemaneuvering and visualization for individuals having restricted visualfields due to glaucoma or Retinitis Pigmentosa, macular degeneration,diabetic maculopathy, color blindness, poor depth perception, andvarious other visual problems. The present technique also may beutilized to teach verbal descriptions of images to a machine, an animal,a person, or any other subject.

[0015] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the present technique comprises asystem 10 having an image retrieval device 12, an audio device 14, and acontrol unit 16 coupled together via wiring 17 and disposed on a subject18 (e.g., a human, an animal, a robot, etc.) The system 10 is configuredto obtain an image of, for example, the person's surroundings via theimage retrieval device 12, transmit the image to the control unit 16 viathe wiring 17, and then provide an audio description of the image to theperson 18 via the audio device 14. The system 10 may process the imagelocally via the control unit 16 or it may process the image remotely viawireless communication technology and a remote processing system. Asdescribed in detail below, the remote processing system may embodyvarious electronics (e.g., communications devices, computing circuitry,etc.), software, and persons. It should also be noted that the wiring 17may be replaced by wireless communication technology, thereby making thesystem 10 more compact and less obtrusive.

[0016] The image retrieval device 12 may embody a still-photography orvideo camera having a variety of photographic technologies, such asdigital image processing. If the image retrieval device 12 embodies avideo camera, then the system 10 may analyze the surroundings of theperson by evaluating a plurality of video frames within the video feedobtained by the image retrieval device 12. The system 10 also may have aplurality of image retrieval devices 12, such as illustrated in FIGS.6-9, to provide a more accurate or wider range of view of thesurroundings. The image retrieval device 12 may be mounted on theperson's neck, around the person's head, on a hat or other clothing,above the person's ear, or in any other suitable location within theline of sight of the person 18.

[0017] The audio device 14 may embody a variety of audio output devices,such as an earphone, a headphone, a speaker system, and various othersystems capable of transmitting the audio description from the controlunit 16 to the person 18. Accordingly, the audio device 14 may bemounted in one or both ears of the person 18, on the person's clothing,or in any other suitable location.

[0018] As discussed above, the system 10 may embody a variety ofconfigurations having local and/or remote processing capabilities. FIG.2 is an illustration of the system 10 having local processingcapabilities. As illustrated, the system 10 comprises the imageretrieval device 12, the control unit 16, and the audio device 14, allof which may be mounted on the person 18. In this exemplary embodiment,the control unit 16 comprises a computing device 20 disposed locally onthe subject (i.e., the person 18).

[0019] The computing device 20 may comprise a variety of computingcircuitry, devices and software to facilitate the processing andidentification of the image. The computing circuitry may include aprocessor, memory, input/output circuitry, a keypad, a pointing device,communications circuitry, a disk drive, a display and various otherdesired circuitry and components. The computing device 20 also maycomprise various application-specific hardware and software. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the computing device 20 comprises animage processing system 22, an image matching database 24, an imagematching system 26, and an audio image description system 28.

[0020] The image processing system 22 may include a variety of hardwareand software configured for processing the image obtained by the imageretrieval device 12. For example, the image processing system 22 mayinclude algorithms for image resampling, noise and blur reduction, colortransformation and enhancement, image sharpening, image compression andvarious other desired functions. Moreover, if the image retrieval device12 does not embody a digital imaging device, then the image processingsystem 22 also may include algorithms for converting the video feed fromthe image retrieval device 12 to a digital format.

[0021] The image matching database 24 may comprise a plurality ofimages, image parameters, image characteristics (e.g., color andgeometrical characteristics), and various other desired features foridentifying the image obtained by the image retrieval device 12. Forexample, a particular image may be characterized by a unique set ofnumbers and characters. The actual contents of the image matchingdatabase 24 also can be tailored to the specific application. Forexample, if the system 10 is used by a visually impaired person, thenthe image matching database 24 may comprise a plurality of images orimage characteristics of the various surroundings that the person mayencounter on a day-to-day basis. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2,the image matching database 24 may simply include image characteristicsor parameters, such as image colors, geometries (e.g., size, shape,depth, angles, patterns, morphologies, etc.), and other suitablecharacteristics, of common environments and surroundings. For example,the image matching database 24 may include parameters characterizing adoor, a door handle, a street, a sidewalk, a curb, a crosswalk, a car, abus, a train, an animal, a man, a woman, a specific individual (e.g., ananimal or human), a light switch, an oven, a table, a bathroom, a bluesky, a sunny day, grass, dirt, a river, a lake, and any other desiredimages. The image matching database 24 would also be capable of readingnewsprint or lettering from magazines or computer monitors.

[0022] The image matching system 26 may comprise a variety of hardwareand software configured for comparing and matching the plurality ofimages, such as the image obtained by the image retrieval device 12 andthe images in the image matching database 24. The image matching system26 may directly compare images, or it may analyze the image obtained bythe image retrieval device 12 and determine the desired parameters forcomparison and matching with those stored in the image matching database24. For example, the image matching system 26 may identify uniquegeometries, colors and patterns in the image that may be used to find abest match within the image matching database 24. As mentioned above,each image may be characterized by a unique set of numbers andcharacters, which may be rapidly used to match and identifysurroundings. For example, the present technique may utilize PrincipleComponent Analysis (PCA) developed at the Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology Media Lab (Cambridge, Mass.) and face recognition softwaredeveloped by Viisage Technology, Inc. (Littleton, Mass.).

[0023] The audio image description system 28 may comprise audiodescriptions stored for each of the images in the image matchingdatabase 24. Alternatively, the audio image description system 28 maycomprise a text-to-voice conversion system (i.e., a voice generator)configured to create an audio description of the image corresponding toa textual description stored in the image matching database 24. However,the system 10 may comprise both audio descriptions and textualdescriptions, depending on the capabilities of the control unit 16. Thecomputing capacity of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 may berelatively limited to provide a more compact size of the system 10.Accordingly, the computing device 20 may simply have textualdescriptions and a text-to-voice conversion system.

[0024] The computing device 20 also may include a local or remote backupsystem 33, such as a remote processor or human narrator. For example, anetwork of human volunteers maybe accessible by the computing device 20to supplement or back up the local visualization resources. Thevolunteers would be able to perform the automated functions of a remoteprocessing system (e.g., systems 22-28) by viewing and describing theimages as they are captured and electronically transmitted to them via anetwork, such as the Internet. Each volunteer viewer could log onto theviewing website and speak into a microphone connected to their personalcomputer, describing the video image. The narrative description wouldthen be wirelessly sent to the sight-impaired person. The computingdevice 20 also may provide a choice between computer-generated orhuman-generated image identification and narration.

[0025] By utilizing wireless communication technology, the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 3 potentially has a greater computing capacity toenhance the image matching and descriptive capabilities of the foregoingsystem 10. As illustrated, the system 10 comprises the image retrievaldevice 12, the control unit 16, and the audio device 14. In thisexemplary embodiment, the control unit 16 comprises a communicationdevice 30, which may include various wireless communication technologiesincluding radio frequency, cellular, blue tooth and other suitabletechnologies. Accordingly, the control unit 16 (i.e., the communicationdevice 30) may be compacted into a relatively smaller housing havingfewer electronics and other circuitry, thereby making the control unit16 less obtrusive and less costly to the consumer.

[0026] As illustrated, the system 10 of FIG. 3 also comprises a remoteprocessing system 32, which is accessible via a communication device 34.The communication device 34 may include a variety of wireless andstandard communication assemblies, including ground-based and sky-basedsystems. For example, the communication device 34 may comprise asatellite system and various networks. It should also be noted that thesystem 10 of FIG. 3 may comprise a plurality of remote processingsystems, which may be individually or collectively utilized to identifythe image obtained by the image retrieval device 12.

[0027] The remote processing system 32 also may comprise one or all ofthe systems 22-28 described above with reference to FIG. 2, or a back-upsystem 33. For example, the communication device 30 may comprise somecomputing circuitry and software, such as illustrated with the computingdevice 20 of FIG. 2, while the remaining systems are disposed on theremote processing system 32. However, in the embodiment of FIG. 3, theremote processing system 32 comprises the image processing system 22,the image matching database 24, the image matching system 26, and theaudio image description system 28. In addition to the features discussedabove, the remote processing system 32 also may comprise compressionalgorithms to facilitate wireless transfer of images and data betweenthe communication device 30 and the remote processing system 32.

[0028] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the present technique also mayutilize another individual's eyes to perform the remote imageidentification and narration. Accordingly, images may be obtained viathe image retrieval device 12, transmitted to the remote processingsystem 32 via the communication devices 30 and 34, and analyzed anddescribed by a remote individual. An audio description may then betransmitted back to the person 18 via the communication devices 30 and34 and the audio device 14. In this exemplary embodiment, the remoteindividual may comprise any or all of the remote image processingcomponents, namely, the image processing system 22, the image matchingdatabase 24, the image matching system 26 and the audio imagedescription system 28. For example, the remote individual may act as abackup for an automated computer system, the remote individual may be anintegral component of an otherwise computerized image analysis system,or the automated computer system may act as a backup for the remoteindividual.

[0029] In any of the foregoing scenarios, the present technique mayutilize a network of individuals (e.g., volunteers) connected via theInternet. These individuals would receive images from the visuallyimpaired person's image retrieval device 12 and read or describe in realtime those images in the sight impaired person's line of sight. Thus, ifa blind person is walking across the street by means of the automatedsystem (e.g., the remote processing system 32), but loses contact withit, the present technique allows for an instantaneous transfer of thevisual images from the image retrieval system 12 to an Internet websitethat displays the images for individuals to interpret and give audiofeedback.

[0030] These remote individuals may be volunteers (e.g., at a retirementhome, a school, etc.), employees of an image narration service, friendsor relatives of the person 18, or any suitable individual havingacceptable eyesight. The remote individuals also may be located atvarious remote locations from the person 18 and the remote processingsystem 32. For example, the remote processing system 32 may comprise acommunication system for transmitting the images to the remote personsand then receiving audio descriptions from the remote persons.

[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, exemplary operational flow chartsare provided for the systems illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively.As illustrated in FIG. 4, which refers to the “local-based system” ofFIG. 2, the present technique is initiated by attaching the imageacquisition, computing and audio devices to the person (block 36). Forexample, refer to FIG. 1 for an exemplary device configuration of thesystem 10.

[0032] The technique then proceeds to orient the image acquisitiondevices for the desired viewing (block 38), such as a forward line ofsight. In operation, the system 10 acquires an image of the surroundings(block 40) in the desired viewing orientation for the person 18. Thesystem 10 also may include a backup system 33, such as illustrated inFIG. 2. Thus, the system 10 may analyze the status of the local system(e.g., the computing device 20) to determine if the backup system 33 isnecessary for continued operation. The system 10 also may provide achoice of simulated vision using either the backup system or the localsystem. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the system 10 may proceedto determine whether the backup system 10 is desired for the simulatedvision (block 41).

[0033] If the backup system is not desired, then the computing device 20then proceeds to process the acquired image (block 42), to analyzeparameters of the acquired image (block 44), and to match the acquiredimage with stored image parameters (block 46), as discussed above. Thecomputing device 20 may then retrieve an image identifier correspondingto the match (block 48). For example, as discussed above, the imageidentifier may comprise a verbal description, a textual description, animage name or any other suitable identifier to facilitate imagedescription of the observed surroundings. Accordingly, the system 10then proceeds to provide an audio description to the person 18corresponding to the image identifier (block 50). As discussed above,the audio description may be generated on-the-fly or from a database,depending on the capabilities of the system 10.

[0034] If the backup system is desired, then the system 10 proceeds totransmit the acquired image to the backup system (block 43), which maybe a local or remote backup system. The system 10 may then determinewhether an automated or human-based vision simulator is desired (block45) to assist the sight impaired individual. If an automated visionsimulator is desired, then the system 10 may initiate a local backup orremote system having similar functions as the primary local system(e.g., steps 42-50). If a human vision simulator is desired, then thesystem may initiate communication with a remote human network.Accordingly, the system 10 may transmit the acquired image to a remotehuman (block 47), who then interprets the acquired image (block 49) andprovides a narration of the acquired image (block 51). This human-basedtechnique may utilize a variety of earth-based and sky-based networks,including the Internet and wireless technologies. For example, the humannarrator may view the acquired image via an Internet browser and eithertype or speak a narration of the acquired image.

[0035] The audio description or narration of the acquired image is thencommunicated to the person 18. Accordingly, the person 18 is able tomaneuver through the surroundings using the audio description (block52). The system 10 then repeats itself by reorienting the imageacquisition device in the desired viewing angle (block 38) andproceeding to acquire a new image of surroundings (block 40).

[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 5, which refers to the “local-to-remotecommunicating system” of FIG. 3, the present technique is initiated byattaching the image acquisition, communication and audio devices to theperson (block 54). For example, refer to FIG. 1 for an exemplary deviceconfiguration of the system 10. The technique then proceeds to orientthe image acquisition devices for the desired viewing (block 56), suchas a forward line of sight. In operation, the system 10 acquires animage of the surroundings (block 58) in the desired viewing orientationfor the person 18. The system 10 may then proceed with either human orautomatic/computer based vision simulation (block 59). The particularvision simulation technique may be preset by the person, preset by themanufacturer, or one type may serve as a backup for the other. Forexample, human-based vision simulation may be a backup for theautomatic/computer-based vision simulation. Nevertheless, at least oneof the two techniques will be used to provide simulated sight for thesight-impaired individual.

[0037] If automatic vision simulation is desired, then the system 10proceeds to wirelessly transmit the acquired image to the remoteprocessing system (block 60), which may perform some or all of the imageprocessing and identification functions, as discussed above withreference to FIG. 3. The system 10 then proceeds to analyze parametersof the acquired image (block 62) and to match the acquired image withstored image parameters (block 64).

[0038] If human vision simulation is desired (e.g., using a remote imageinterpreter/narrator), then the system proceeds to transmit the acquiredimage to a human located remote from the person (block 61). This remotehuman then interprets the acquired image (block 63) and provides anarration of the acquired image (block 65). As discussed above, avariety of networks and video displays may be used to facilitateinterpretation and narration of the acquired image by the remote human.

[0039] In both human-based and automatic/computer-based techniques, anaudio description or narration corresponding to the acquired image isthen wirelessly transmitted to the person (block 66). The person 18 isthen able to maneuver through the surroundings using the audiodescription (block 68). The system 10 then repeats itself by reorientingthe image acquisition device in the desired viewing angle (block 56) andproceeding to acquire a new image of surroundings (block 58). In thecase of human intervention, the volunteer viewer could verbally guideand direct the person 18 to turn their head or move in certaindirections in order to better acquire images 56.

[0040] As illustrated in FIGS. 6-9, the system 10 may utilize any numberof image retrieval devices 12, which may be disposed in a variety ofdirections and positions on the person 18. As illustrated in FIG. 6, thesystem 10 may have the image retrieval device 12 disposed in a viewingdirection 70 directly in line with the person's forward line of sight72. However, if the system 10 has sufficient computing capabilities(e.g., remote and/or local), then the system 10 may comprise a pluralityof image retrieval devices 12 to improve the accuracy and viewing anglefor the person 18.

[0041] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the system 10 may comprisefour of the image retrieval devices 12 disposed symmetrically about theperson 18 to provide a full 360-degree viewing angle. In thisembodiment, the image retrieval devices 12 are oriented in viewingdirections 70, 74, 76 and 78, which correspond to the person's forwardline of sight 72, a rear view and side views, respectively. Accordingly,the system 10 allows the person to react to surroundings in alldirections. This would be highly advantageous to sighted persons withunique requirements for simultaneous vision on all sides, such assoldiers in combat. The user of this device would have a field of visionfor objects within a perimetry surrounding the user based upon thesensitivity and quality of the image-capturing device and thus couldencompass infrared, night vision, or magnification.

[0042] The system 10 also may have multiple image retrieval devices 12oriented in a general forward direction to improve the visualization inthe person's forward line of sight 72. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 8, the system 10 has three image retrieval devices 12, which aredisposed in a front position and opposite sides of the person 18. Theimage retrieval devices 12 disposed on opposite sides of the person 18may be directed in any suitable angle (e.g., perpendicular, tangent,45°, etc.), such as angles 80 and 82, to improve the accuracy and/orviewing angle for the visualization. For example, the angle may beselected to provide considerable overlap between the three imageretrieval devices 12.

[0043] The system 10 may also integrate the image retrieval device 12and the audio device 14 into a single compact unit, which may be mountedon the person's ear or in any other suitable location. FIG. 9illustrates such an integral unit, which has the image retrieval device12 and the audio device 14 mounted on a side of the person 18 with theaudio device 14 extending into the person's ear. In this exemplaryembodiment, the system 10 has the image retrieval device 12 oriented inthe viewing direction 70 parallel to the person's forward line of sight72. It also should be noted that this embodiment may have the controlunit 16 integrated into the single compact unit with the image retrievaldevice 12 and the audio device 14.

[0044] It will also be understood that the foregoing description is of apreferred embodiment of this invention, and that the invention is notlimited to the specific form and application shown. The invention maycomprise various local and remote electronics and software, which may betailored for a specific person, animal, robot or other subject. Theseand other modifications may be made in the design and arrangement of theelements without departing from the scope of the invention as expressedin the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vision aid, comprising: an image retrievaldevice; an image identifier communicatively coupled to the imageretrieval device; and an audible image narrator communicatively coupledto the image identification device.
 2. The vision aid of claim 1,wherein the image retrieval device is configured to retrieve an image oftext.
 3. The vision aid of claim 1, wherein the image retrieval deviceis configured to retrieve an image of a photograph.
 4. The vision aid ofclaim 1, wherein the image retrieval device is configured to retrieve animage of a physical object within a perimetry surrounding a user.
 5. Thevision aid of claim 1, wherein the image retrieval device comprises adigital video device.
 6. The vision aid of claim 1, wherein the imageretrieval device comprises an infrared sensor.
 7. The vision aid ofclaim 1, wherein the image retrieval device comprises a lightintensifier for night vision.
 8. The vision aid of claim 1, wherein theimage retrieval device comprises an image magnifier.
 9. The vision aidof claim 1, wherein the image identifier comprises communicationscircuitry configured for transmitting images to a remote person.
 10. Thevision aid of claim 1, wherein the image identifier comprises a remotedisplay communicatively coupled to the image retrieval device forinterpretation and verbal description by a remote human.
 11. The visionaid of claim 10, wherein the image identifier comprises an imagenarration network comprising a plurality of the remote display for aplurality of the remote human.
 12. The vision aid of claim 1, whereinthe image identifier comprises an image matching database.
 13. Thevision aid of claim 12, wherein the image identifier comprises an imagematching routine configured to identify a best match from the imagematching database with an image obtained by the image retrieval device.14. The vision aid of claim 12, wherein the image matching databasecomprises parameters characterizing images.
 15. The vision aid of claim14, wherein the parameters comprise color and geometricalcharacteristics.
 16. The vision aid of claim 1, wherein the imageretrieval device, the image narrator and at least a portion of the imageidentifier comprise mounting structures configured for attachment to aperson.
 17. The vision aid of claim 16, wherein the image identifiercomprises a communication device mountable to the person and a remoteprocessing assembly configured for wireless communication with thecommunication device.
 18. The vision aid of claim 17, wherein the remoteprocessing assembly comprises a display device and an audio input deviceconfigured for human interpretation and narration, respectively, of anacquired image.
 19. The vision aid of claim 17, wherein the remoteprocessing assembly comprises an image processor, an imagecharacteristic database, and a best match system configured to identifya best match from the image characteristic database with an imageobtained by the image retrieval device.
 20. The vision aid of claim 19,wherein the remote processing assembly comprises an audio imagedescriber for the image narrator.
 21. An artificial sight system for useby an individual, comprising: an image retrieval device able to obtainan image of a surrounding, the image retrieval device being configuredfor carrying on an individual; a communication device coupled to theimage retrieval device, wherein the communication device is configuredto transmit the image to a remote processing system comprising an imageidentifier and an image describer; and an audio device coupled to thecommunication device and configured to transmit an audio description ofthe surrounding to the individual carrying the image retrieval device.22. The artificial sight system of claim 21, wherein the image retrievaldevice comprises a digital camera.
 23. The artificial sight system ofclaim 21, wherein the image retrieval device comprises a plurality ofimage retrieval devices in multiple desired viewing orientations. 24.The artificial sight system of claim 21, wherein the image retrievaldevice, the communication device and the audio device comprise mountingstructures for attachment to the individual.
 25. The artificial sightsystem of claim 21, wherein the communication device comprises wirelesscommunication circuitry.
 26. The artificial sight system of claim 21,wherein the image identifier comprises an image processor configured toprocess an image obtained by the image retrieval device, an imagecharacteristic database, and an image matcher configured to identify abest match from the image characteristic database with the image. 27.The artificial sight system of claim 26, wherein the imagecharacteristic database comprises parameters for a plurality of images,the parameters comprising color and geometrical characteristics.
 28. Theartificial sight system of claim 21, wherein the image identifier andthe image describer comprise a human interpreter.
 29. A method ofvisualizing a surrounding environment, comprising: obtaining an image ina desired viewing orientation; identifying the image via an imageprocessor; and audibly describing the surrounding environment based onthe image identified.
 30. The method of claim 29, wherein obtaining theimage comprises obtaining a digital image of the surroundingenvironment.
 31. The method of claim 29, wherein obtaining the imagecomprises electronically capturing the image of a field of view of aperimetry surrounding a user.
 32. The method of claim 31, whereinelectronically capturing the image comprises magnifying the image. 33.The method of claim 31, wherein electronically capturing the imagecomprises adapting to lightness levels in the field of view.
 34. Themethod of claim 31, wherein electronically capturing the image comprisessensing distances to objects in the field of view.
 35. The method ofclaim 29, wherein obtaining the image comprises obtaining a plurality ofimages in multiple desired viewing orientations.
 36. The method of claim29, wherein identifying the image comprises matching imagecharacteristics of the image with a best match from an imagecharacteristic database of environmental images.
 37. The method of claim36, wherein matching image characteristics comprises analyzinggeometrical characteristics.
 38. The method of claim 37, whereinmatching image characteristics comprises analyzing colorcharacteristics.
 39. The method of claim 29, wherein obtaining the imageand audibly describing the surrounding environment are performed via animage retrieval device and an audio device, respectively, attached to aperson.
 40. The method of claim 39, comprising wirelessly communicatingimage information between a communication device attached to the personand the image processor disposed remote from the person.
 41. The methodof claim 40, wherein identifying and audibly describing are performedvia an individual acting as the image processor.
 42. The method of claim29, wherein identifying and audibly describing comprise: wirelesslycommunicating the image from a user to a network; displaying the imageto an individual accessing the network; and wirelessly communicating anaudio narration of the image from the individual to the user.
 43. Themethod of claim 42, wherein displaying the image comprises displayingthe image through an Internet website.
 44. The method of claim 43,comprising obtaining the audio narration from the individual.